18 Innovative Restoration Concepts to Revitalize Your Bathroom Sanctuary
18 Innovative Restoration Concepts to Revitalize Your Bathroom Sanctuary
The bathroom is one of the most functional spaces in your living area, but it's also an excellent opportunity to infuse some creativity into your interior design. Transforming this space into a functional and stylish retreat that suits your personal taste can be an enjoyable challenge.
From experimenting with colors to combining different materials, there are numerous possibilities to explore as you embark on your bathroom renovation project. To get inspired, we asked professional interior designers to share their favorite ideas, which will help you envision a revamped area that balances functionality and style.
01of 18## Cool Down with Patterned Wallpaper
A bathroom is the ideal spot to add a pop of personality with some unique, colorful, or geometric wallpaper. “By incorporating a tone-on-tone gray plaid wallpaper, I injected a funky vibe into this bathroom,” says Heather Mastrangeli, founder and principal of Innovatus Design. Be sure to opt for vinyl wallpaper, as it is better suited to handle moisture.
02of 18## Warms Up with Extra Storage
If there’s one space in your home that could benefit from additional storage, it's the shower. “Ensure to include storage in the bathing areas,” says interior designer Jennifer Carter, principal and lead designer of Studio Envie. By adding an extra-long niche, ledge, or shelf, it becomes much easier to store all of your self-care items, including shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and soap.
03of 18## Sleek and Practical Built-Ins
If you have the space, considering adding built-in storage to your bathroom can be an excellent way to maximize functionality. Storing towels and other bathroom essentials in the room they'll be used in makes them more accessible. Gabrielle Bove, founder and principal of Opaline Interiors, recommends installing a tall, built-in cabinet next to your vanity.
04of 18## Elegant Mix of Marble and Wood
Combining Carrara marble and dark stained wood can create an unexpected yet beautiful and visually striking look. “The marble countertops look stunning against rich cabinetry, creating a serene and polished atmosphere,” says Jessika Gatood, founder, and principal of Gatood Designs. Experiment with different combinations, such as darker marble and lighter wood.
05of 18## Unique Finds from Secondhand Shops
Secondhand shopping isn't limited to your wardrobe or home decor. A vintage vanity can add charm to your bathroom aesthetics, especially when paired with a custom sink. “In this project, I transformed an antique piece into a vanity and added a custom, hand-poured concrete sink,” says interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton.
06of 18## Mosaic Tile Magic
While mosaic tile is commonly used in bathrooms, it's typically contained to the shower floor or a small ledge. Instead, consider using it on the main bathroom floor, making a significant impact. “An intricate, natural stone mosaic was used in this bathroom to add movement and interest to the space,” says Mastrangeli.
07of 18## Freestanding Floating Shelf
If you have a freestanding tub, a floating shelf provides easy access to your bath products. This functional storage solution can evolve over time, adapting to your shampoo and soap needs while also adding an element of elegance to everyday objects. Choose a color that blends in or adds contrast with a bolder palette.
08of 18## Fabric Love for Showers and Drapes
When it comes to shower curtains or drapes, you have the freedom to choose your favorite fabric and have it made into a shower curtain for an alcove tub. “Choosing something you love will make your bathroom feel more unique,” says Gabrielle Bove, founder and principal of Opaline Interiors.
09of 18## Curve Appeal: Embrace an Arch
Playing with shapes and geometry can make a big impact; adding an arch to your bathroom can create a beautiful contrast to sharp, clean lines. “An arch can soften the harsher lines of vanities and countertops,” says Jennifer Carter, principal and lead designer of Studio Envie.
10of 18## Handheld Shower Head Convenience
Small improvements can result in significant differences. Handheld showers are perfect examples, extending your shower system's functionality and affordability. Handheld showers offer additional flexibility, letting you use them for various purposes, such as washing your hair or grooming pets.
11of 18## Luxurious Wood Paneling
Why not bring a luxury sauna element to your bathroom? Wood paneling can truly elevate a room, according to Heather Mastrangeli, founder and principal of Innovatus Design. Select a wood type, like bead board, that can be stained in various colors to match your decor palette while adding a touch of sophistication to your bathroom.
12of 18## Add Tile Trim for a Finishing Touch
Tile trim can add a decorative touch to your bathroom, creating a unique and polished look. Play around with different colors, textures, and shapes to find a trim that complements your bathroom's overall design. By incorporating tile trim, you can enhance the beauty of your bathroom, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Step into a bathroom, and you might overlook subtle nuances like tile trim, but they play a significant role in tying the room together. These elements can serve as a finish transition or border, as stated by Carter, enhancing your bathroom's overall appeal. Spotting tile trim is a clear indication of thoughtful design planning.
13 of 18## Employing Glass Tile in the Shower
Glass tile introduces an attractive depth to your shower. It's particularly beneficial when remodeling small spaces as it aids in creating separation. "I eagerly awaited installing this bluish-green glass tile," remarks Mastrangeli. "I combined it with a matte hexagon floor tile and various accent tiles on the back wall." The final result? The bathroom shimmers from the moment you enter.
14 of 18## Merging Two Distinct Finishes
Consider incorporating two different finishes for your cabinet pulls, handles, plumbing fixtures, and bathroom hardware. As Bove explains, this produces a curated look that seems less sterile. Experiment with novel pairings, such as stained brass and polished nickel—one of Bove's preferred combos.
15 of 18## Sticking to a Unified Color Palette
To create a tranquil and soothing atmosphere, opt for a consistent color palette across various materials. "This soothes the eye and harmonizes well with an unexpected color," concludes Bove. Should you desire a transformation, alter the decor pieces, towels, and bathmats with ease.
16 of 18## Introducing a Freestanding Tub
While built-in bathtubs are the norm, a freestanding tub can instantly transform your bathroom into a lavish spa. They add an exclusive feel and can help expand the space, according to Davis, founder of interior design firm Blueberry Jones. Moreover, these tubs are "much simpler to maintain" than their built-in counterparts.
17 of 18## Commingling Wallpaper and Tile
To produce a bathroom with impact, explore combining wallpaper and tile. "This client wasn't afraid to be bold with captivating, contrasting patterns," says Bratton. "We added patterned tile and wallpaper to the space, though we kept the colors within the same family to preserve balance."
The choices and possibilities are abundant—even when you prefer a more neutral color palette, the interplay between the smooth tile and sharp wallpaper will still enthrall you.
18 of 18## Incorporating Convenient Power Outlets
Finding yourself short on electrical outlets in the wrong locations can be highly inconvenient during a remodel. Focus on outlet placement, considering where they'll be most advantageous.
"A GFCI outlet should be easily attainable for hairdryers, styling tools, charging, electric toothbrushes, and other accesories," advises Mastrangeli. Planning wisely and meticulously will yield significant returns in the long term.
- Martha Stewart shares her enthusiasm for incorporating Home Design Decor into bathrooms, suggesting that unique and colorful Wallpaper from Home Design Decor, like a tone-on-tone gray plaid, can add a funky vibe to the space.
- If you're looking for Bathroom Design Ideas to maximize storage, consider following Martha Stewart's advice by asking interior designers like Jennifer Carter from Studio Envie, who suggests adding an extra-long niche or shelf in the shower for storing self-care items.